Applicants urged for District 5 seat

March 6, 2010

Cape Coral City Council is accepting applications from residents in District 5 to fill a council vacancy.

The Governor's Office has suspended Councilmember Eric Grill, pending adjudication on a charge that Grill provided a "false document" to a client who contracted with his construction business. Grill was elected to the seat more than two years ago and can be reinstated unless he is convicted or pleads guilty to the felony charge. Grill has maintained his innocence.

Meanwhile council must fill his seat while the process perks. They've gone the appointment route due to cost and the inability of the Supervisor of Elections Sharon Harrington to hold an election within the city's charter-mandated timeframe

Given the options - or lack thereof, thanks to Ms. Harrington - we'll find no fault with council's decision to appoint.

Already, there are willing residents raising their hands to serve and that is always gratifying. We thank those who have submitted their names, and we urge others in the district with an interest in city issues to consider making a bid as well.

We'll be honest, the task can be thankless - just ask the last few who stepped into what is sometimes referred to as a "caretaker" role.

But it also can be infinitely rewarding because there is the opportunity to make a very real difference in the city over the next year or two.

The deadline for submissions is Wednesday with council set to make its appointment March 15. If you live in District 5 - an area roughly south of Pine Island Road, north of Veteran's Parkway and west of Del Prado Boulevard - and you have an interest in serving, are knowledgeable about city issues and are willing to assume a leadership role, please step forward.

The residents need the very best District 5 has to offer to help the city get on with the business at hand.